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Zoo mourning death of gidget the sea lion

Then-Mayor John Hickenlooper is given the proper greeting from Gidget in 2009 as zookeeper Jessica Jenkins watches. (Kathryn Scott Osler, Denver Post file)

The Denver Zoo this week again is in mourning the loss of a beloved animal.

Gidget, a 27-year-old California sea lion, passed away Wednesday.

"Gidget was a very charismatic animal that charmed millions of guests over the years at our sea lion show," said Craig Piper, Denver Zoo president, in a news release. "She loved working with her keepers and awing guests with her swimming and agility. We are deeply saddened by this loss."

Zoo officials said they decided to euthanize Gidget, a lifelong resident at the Denver Zoo, as her mobility declined and she had began refusing food and medication.

Her problems began to show in 2010 when Gidget, the star of the zoo's sea lion show, was showing discomfort in walking. She was diagnosed with arthritis.

As part of her treatment, Gidget's role in the show was changed to include swimming exercises that also worked as part of physical therapy regimens.

Gidget gained popularity as the star of a 9News segment called "Gidget Picks," during which she was prompted by sportscaster Drew Soicher to predict the winner of each Denver Broncos game. She predicted games for six years, retiring in 2010.